Americans are contributing more to 401(k)s, yet early withdrawals are surging. Many use these funds for emergencies, aided by relaxed rules.
More companies, including Starbucks and Delta Air Lines, are letting workers divert a portion of their paychecks into emergency funds. The new law also lets employers automatically enroll workers earning less than $160,000 into emergency savings accounts. They can save up to $2,500 in a money market-type fund in a Roth 401(k) and withdraw it tax- and penalty-free. These emergency funds may help people avoid pulling money directly from their 401(k) investments. Vanguard found those with $2,000 or more in emergency savings are significantly less likely to cash out their 401(k)s or take hardship withdrawals. Misty Scammahorn, 47, said she opened a high-yield bank account three years ago from Sunny Day Fund Solutions, which offers employer-sponsored emergency funds. She has since saved $12,000 through automated payroll deductions
https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/retirement/401k-withdrawal-emergency-savings-25926369?st=PP55Kx
unknownx500
